Raphaëlle Houtart
Project
Telomere length dynamic in eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus)Telomeres are protective structures found at the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length (TL) of some vertebrates, including humans, shortens over time. In those species, this is generally associated with aging and mortality. However, the study of TL in a wider range of species has allowed to observe that TL dynamics are rather variable between and among species. For instance, telomere elongation has been noted in an eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) population in southern Quebec. A difference of TL between male and female chipmunks has also been reported, as well as between cohorts born before and after American beech (Fagus grandifolia) masting events (periods of abundant resources). The goal of my research is to find out whether TL in this population acts as a signal which could allow adaptative regulation of certain life-history traits (age at first reproduction, reproductive success, lifespan). To do so, I will investigate TL variation during the chipmunks’ active season and throughout their lifetimes, along with inter-individual differences. This project will improve the understanding of diversity in telomere length dynamics.
